It wasn't a very good day for her, and has actually been a really tough few months. I got a call from her this morning asking me if I could go check on her dog Harley around 3:00 pm, to make sure he didn't tip over his water bowl. (He did this the day before, and went most of the day without water). I have actually written about Harley off and on here a few times as some of you might remember. He's the German Shepherd who was paralyzed in the back, and so I've volunteered over the past year to help her out with him at times when she was going to be home late, or had plans or something. Well, of course I volunteered to go check on him today. When I did, I noticed right away that he didn't look right. He had flies swarming all over him, and when I called out his name, there was no response. I called his name out three more times, each time louder than the time before, and still there was no response. I finally ended up touching him, and once I felt how stiff he was, I pretty much knew he was gone. :( I ran back across the street to my home as quickly as I could, and told my mom and her boyfriend Carl. Carl's had experience around dead bodies, so I asked if he could go check just to make sure, and he confirmed that Harley had passed. I was crying at this point, but quickly had to pull it together and call my friend at work, which I knew was going to be one of the toughest things I ever did. What made it even tougher was how she sounded so chipper and happy when she answered, and here I had to break it to her that her dog of 10 years had died. I started to cry as I told her. I tried to hold it in, but I have gotten really close to Harley over the last year, and speaking those words to her suddenly made it hit me. She ended up rushing home, and when she got home, I could tell she'd been crying the whole way. I helped her put Harley in the truck as she drove him to the cremation place, and when we got there, they confirmed that he was dead. My friend kissed him goodbye, and we drove back home, before she had to go back to work 10 minutes later.

Her and I were just talking about how she was going to make a decision about him this Summer, and how the camping trip we're planning to go on next month, would probably be his last, and then this happened. I'm actually kind of glad that she called me this morning. Usually she comes home for her lunch break at 3:00, but I kind of felt like her not coming home was meant to be. It would have been so rough on her had she come home and found him like that, so I kind of feel like God wanted a friend to find him first to help prepare her, and to tell her. I also think it's pretty cool that God took him, instead of having her have to make the gut wrenching decision of whether or not to put him down. So, atleast some positives came out of it. Anyway, if you guys' get the chance, would you please say a prayer for my friend Donna? Aside from Harley passing, she had another tragedy recently, and is having all kinds of problems in her personal life, so if you could pray for her for me, it would be sooo appreciated!! Thanks for taking the time to read!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and everything. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. She's really lucky to have you as a friend.

Sorry to hear! i'll say a prayer for you.

Thanks so much guys!! Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me, and I know they'll mean the world to her!!! :)

Oh Brad, please let her know we're praying for her and Harley. Hopefully he's in a better place now where he can run and play with other dogs again.

What a horrible way to have to find him, but I'm sure you helping out (and finding him) made it easier for your friend. I can't imagine what I'd do if I ever found one of my babies like that.

Prayers to your friend AND you Brad. You're such an excellent friend both on and off the forum boards.

How sad. It was poor Harley's time to cross over Rainbow Bridge. My prayers to him and your friend.

:bighug:

Oh Brad, please let her know we're praying for her and Harley. Hopefully he's in a better place now where he can run and play with other dogs again.

What a horrible way to have to find him, but I'm sure you helping out (and finding him) made it easier for your friend. I can't imagine what I'd do if I ever found one of my babies like that.

Prayers to your friend AND you Brad. You're such an excellent friend both on and off the forum boards.

Thanks so much Cathie!! It really was a tough way to find him. I was up all night last night with the visual of him just laying there motionless. :( Fortunately though he looked very peaceful, and didn't look like he suffered any, so that helped to make my friend feel better. :) I think he ended up going just the way he was suppose to go.

It's so nice to see, and hear from you Cathie!! :) It's been awhile, and I've missed you soooo much. Your words have totally made my day!! :hug:

:heart: Brad

But of course Brad. My prayer list can never be too full. As I say my prayers at night, I will be sure to include her in my prayers. I pray that everyone gets God's love and comfort.

How sad. It was poor Harley's time to cross over Rainbow Bridge. My prayers to him and your friend.

:bighug:

Thank you so much Janice, I know Donna will soooo appreciate your prayers!! :) It's funny that you mention the Rainbow Bridge, because now everytime a beloved friends pet passes, I always think of The Rainbow Bridge. I'll probably send that link to her in a few days when the shock has wore off a bit. I'm sure it'll give her comfort. Thanks again for your prayers my friend!!

And I just want you to know that you have been, and will continue to be in my prayers as well!!! I know you've been going through, and continue to go through some really difficult stuff to say the least, but please know that you have a friend here in Oregon who loves you, and prays for you daily!!! I know God will help you get better!!! Hang in there my friend!! :heart:I Love You!!!:heart:

:bighug:

But of course Brad. My prayer list can never be too full. As I say my prayers at night, I will be sure to include her in my prayers. I pray that everyone gets God's love and comfort.

Thanks soooo much Irene!!! You're a good friend, and I always know that I can count on you for things like this!! :D I'll be sure to let Donna know that you're praying for her. She'll be so grateful, just as I am!! :hug: :wave:

Oh I'm so sorry for your friend Brad! :( With Bailey being sick right now, it's scary. Our prayers are with her at this difficult time. :bighug:

I'm sorry to hear about Harley. :(

I will be sure to pray for Donna. I feel bad for all she has been through and is going through :( . How great it is that she has a friend like you.

With Bailey being sick right now, it's scary.


I hope that Bailey feels better soon, Kelly.

aww im so sorry :( she'll be in my prayers.

I'm so sorry Brad. I'll keep Donna in my prayers. :(

I'm really sorry about that. Your friend will be in my thoughts.

My prayers and thoughts are there my friend.

Thank you sooo much Kelly, Mike, Yooch, Joe, Sonny, Sharop, and Brian!!! :hug: My friend has spent the last couple days to herself understandeably, but I left her a message last night telling her that I, along with several of my friends were praying for her. My mom saw her this morning before she went to work and said she seemed happy, and that she seems to be getting over it slowly but surely, so your prayers are making a world of difference!! :D I can't thank you all enough for this, and I truly can't understate what this means to me!! I thank you all with all my heart for praying for my friend!! You guys are truly the best!!! :wave:

I feel very sorry for your friend Donna.

Thanks alot Jen and webwarrior762004!! It was tough, and a total shock to find him like that, but like I mentioned before, I'm just glad it was me who found him that way, and not her. God sure works in mysterious ways.

Just a little update on Donna, she is doing much much better. It's still really hard for her when she first enters the house, and he's not laying in his old spot, and when she doesn't hear him whining at 6:00 am on the button every morning to wake her up so she can take him outside, but she seems to be doing better with each passing day. I took her out to dinner last night, and she seemed to have a really good time. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers everyone. They've made, and are making a huge difference!! :)

My prayers are with your friend friend Donna. I trust in God that he will bring her happier times. I fully understand what it is like to lose a dog you get attached to for a long time. It takes a while to get over, especially when you find the dog that way. take care and God bless